Program Description
This is a two-year composite program of automotive refinishing and collision repair. Students may only start every Fall semester in the major courses because of course prerequisites. Students enrolled in the program register for the same theory and laboratory classes, but the related education classes will be different from those offered in the auto refinishing and auto collision repair certificate programs. General Education and elective courses provide training in effective oral and written communication and human relations skills.

Career Opportunities
Auto collision repair and refinishing specialists receive excellent pay and job security. Students can take advantage of SLCC’s strong network in the auto repair industry for job placement and career enhancement.

Earnings in this field of technology are dependent upon a person’s work ethic and productivity. There are untold numbers of jobs available for anyone who completes the program.

Many jobs are not in the actual hands-on repair area. Jobs can range from sales of automotive repair products, including paint coatings, to insurance claims to shop manager. It is not uncommon for workers to earn $75,000 to over $100,000 annually. Because of the tremendous demand for trained technicians, beginning workers move rapidly up the ladder to higher paying positions.

Transfer/Articulation Information
Students who earn an AAS degree in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing have the option to transfer into the Technology Management Bachelor Degree at Utah Valley University. UVU will accept up to 45 technical credits towards this degree.

Estimated Time to Completion
If students follow the suggested semester schedule, time to completion is four semesters.

Program Entry Requirements
The collision repair technician’s work requires fast job analysis and the ability to visualize what is needed to restore the damaged vehicle. Those interested in entering auto collision repair and refinishing should be in good physical condition, have good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and have an appreciation and understanding of color.

Graduation Map

Advising Notes

Students who need to take preparatory classes to meet the requirements of the first semester courses should plan on extra time to complete the program. It is the students’ responsibility to understand the requirements for their chosen program of study. It is highly recommended that the student meet with the Program Advisor prior to starting this program. The Program Advisor may be reached in Academic and Career Advising.

The Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing courses are taught during the day.

It is possible to earn some laboratory credit through cooperative education if students are employed in a related job involving automotive mechanics. With prior approval of a teaching faculty member and faculty CO-OP coordinator for the Automotive Department, students would register for the regular laboratory course.